Isolated & Non-Isolated LED Driver Explained - naturaLED

LED drivers are an important part of industrial lighting fixtures, which greatly affects the lifespan and quality of the fixtures. In the field of LED commercial and industrial lighting, there are mainly two forms of drivers that are commonly used: isolated drivers and non-isolated drivers. Before we dive into details, let us first understand the concept of isolated power supply and the main characteristics of isolated and non-isolated power.

What is the difference between isolated vs non-isolated LED drivers?
An isolated power supply is an LED driver that is electrically isolated from the input power source and the output DC current to the LED board. There is no direct connection between the input (line from the building) and output to the LED board. This is achieved using an isolated transformer that separates input and output. Isolated LED drivers are generally safer as they operate at lower output and much narrower voltage range. A 150W commercial LED fixture is typically 36-56V DC. They are also more protected from surges and power spikes extending their life span and the life span of the LED light.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

A non-isolated LED driver is an LED driver that is not electrically isolated from the input power source or the load. Non-isolated LED drivers are simpler and less expensive than isolated LED drivers, but they do not provide the same level of safety or reliability. They can operate in a wide range of voltages from just a few volts in a simple LED bulb or solar light to 200V DC in a 150W commercial LED fixture.

Main Differences of these two types of drivers:
In general, non-isolated LED drivers are more efficient compared to isolated drivers. However, the difference is not much. This led to two major differences, which are Safety and Cost.

1. Isolated drivers are safer compared to non-isolated drivers. This is referring to the risk of electric shock. The high voltage at the input of the isolated driver and the low voltage at the work area are separated, so there is no risk of electric shock; While the high voltage of the input terminal of the non-isolated voltage is directly transmitted to the working area terminal, and there is no transformer to convert to low voltage. Therefore, the risk of electric shock for the latter one is higher than the isolated one.

2. Isolated LED drivers cost more compared to non-isolated drivers. It is due to the isolation transformer or other isolation technique used in isolated LED drivers that add complexity and cost to the driver. Additionally, the manufacturing processes for isolated LED drivers may be more expensive, as they require higher levels of quality control to ensure the electrical isolation is maintained.

The circuit structure used by the isolated driver is an AC/DC flyback circuit scheme, which can realize multiple outputs, is more complicated and the cost is higher; on the other hand, the non-isolated type uses a DC/DC boost or step-down buck circuit, which relatively simple and cost less. 

All in all, isolated drivers are safer but cost a little more, while non-isolated drivers are less safe and cheaper but have higher efficiency.

Below are some of NaturaLED Commercial fixtures with isolated drivers.  For more info: Please contact your sales representative.

The LED driver is a crucial component that converts AC power to DC power for LED lighting fixtures. When choosing LED drivers, you often encounter two types: isolated and non-isolated. This article will explore the characteristics, advantages, and applications of both types to help users better understand them.

Isolated LED Driver:

Isolated LED drivers utilize one or more isolation components, typically transformers, to separate the input and output circuits. This means there’s no direct electrical connection between the output and input terminals, achieving electrical isolation. Here are the key features:

1. High Safety: With electrical isolation between the output and input terminals, isolated LED drivers offer enhanced safety by significantly reducing the risk of electric shock, ensuring user safety.
2. Strong Interference Resistance: Electrical isolation prevents interference signals from the input side propagating to the output side, enhancing the driver’s resistance to interference and ensuring stable operation of LED fixtures.
3. Wide Applicability: Isolated LED drivers are suitable for various applications, particularly those requiring high electrical safety standards, such as residential and commercial lighting.

Non-Isolated LED Driver:

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In contrast, non-isolated LED drivers lack electrical isolation, with the output circuit directly connected to the input circuit. While simpler and more cost-effective, they possess the following characteristics:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: The absence of isolation components makes the design of non-isolated LED drivers simpler and more cost-effective, making them suitable for cost-sensitive applications.
2. Versatility: Non-isolated LED drivers can be used in various applications, especially those with lower safety requirements and cost considerations, such as industrial and outdoor lighting.
3. Voltage Fluctuations: Due to the lack of electrical isolation, non-isolated LED drivers may experience voltage fluctuations at the output terminal directly influenced by input voltage variations, potentially leading to output voltage instability.

Selecting the Right LED Driver:

When choosing LED drivers, it’s essential to consider specific application requirements and safety standards. For applications demanding high safety standards like residential and commercial lighting, isolated LED drivers are recommended. For applications with lower safety requirements and cost considerations like industrial and outdoor lighting, non-isolated LED drivers may be suitable.

Differentiating Between Isolated and Non-Isolated LED Drivers:

Isolated and non-isolated LED drivers can typically be distinguished by certain features in their appearance or labeling. Here are some common indicators:

Isolated LED Driver:

• Labeling: Products may be marked with terms like “Isolated” or similar on the housing or specification sheet to indicate electrical isolation.
• Housing Design: Isolated LED drivers may have larger housings to accommodate isolation components like transformers. Additionally, safety symbols like electrical isolation symbols may be present on the housing.
• Terminal Identification: Input and output terminals of isolated LED drivers may be labeled on the housing to differentiate electrical isolation.

Non-Isolated LED Driver:

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• Labeling: Similar to isolated drivers, products may be labeled with terms like “Non-isolated” or similar to indicate the lack of electrical isolation.
• Housing Design: Non-isolated LED drivers often have smaller housings due to the absence of isolation components. Additionally, there may be no additional safety markings on the housing.
• Terminal Identification: While input and output terminals may be labeled, there won’t be an emphasis on electrical isolation as there are no isolation components.